Didi Hamann buoyed by Heimir Hallgrimsson's 'back to basics' talk

Didi Hamann believes the pragmatic approach of newly appointed Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson can deliver success for the Boys in Green.

Eyebrows were raised today when the 57-year-old Icelander was named as Stephen Kenny's successor after leaving his most recent role with Jamaica following a disappointing Copa America.

Despite Kenny leaving the role last November, the recruitment process has turned into something of an eight-month soap opera, with John O’Shea taking charge for two international windows on an interim basis and a whole host of names linked to the role.

Speaking on RTÉ Sport ahead of coverage of the Euro 2024 semi-final between the Netherlands and England, Richie Sadlier said it was about time to draw the saga to a conclusion.

"My overriding feeling was one of relief," he said. "It’s over. It’s been painful watching it, trying to make sense of it. It’s a stain on the CV of everyone involved, it’s been a mess."

Ireland have 'underperformed' in recent years, opines new manager Heimir Hallgrimsson. pic.twitter.com/rXFUVDxegH

Fellow analyst and former Irish international Kevin Doyle said Hallgrimsson’s work with Iceland, mainly in his stint as assistant and joint-manager rather than his two years in sole charge following the memorable Euro 2016 campaign, meant his international CV stacked up well against the other names touted for the job.

"He does have decent international pedigree," he said.

"He was five years there with them (Iceland) and got them to 18th in the world rankings. If he could even get half ways there with us, he’d be doing a very good job."

Former German international Hamann agreed that the body of work from his time with Iceland bodes well for Irish supporters looking to the future.

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